Information on Allergies
What are Allergies?
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Allergies are hypersensitive immune responses to substances that either enter or come in contact with the body [1]. In other words, an allergy is a condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. These substances are known as allergens and are typically found in food, drinks, or the environment [1]. Allergic reactions are distinctive because of excessive activation of certain white blood cells called mast cells and basophils by a type of antibody called immunoglobulin E [1]. A basophil cell prevents blood from clotting and an antibody is a blood protein. This reaction results in an inflammatory response, which can range from uncomfortable to dangerous. Allergies are very common and most allergens are harmless. In the United States alone more than 50 million people have an allergy of some sort. Food allergies are estimated to affect 5 percent of children and 4 percent of adults [1].
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